Patrick Rafter Unable To Play London But Planning On Adelaide

Written by: Staff on 3rd November 2011

Patrick Rafter Unable To Play London But Planning On Adelaide |

Patrick Rafter is unable to play the ATP Champions’ Tour calendar ending AEGON Masters event at London’s Royal Albert Hall next month but he is committed to joining John McEnroe as one of the main star attractions in the strongest ever field announced for World Tennis Challenge Directors that starts at Adelaide’s Memorial Drive on January 10.

Co-tournament director Roger Rasheed, former coach to both Lleyton Hewitt and Gael Monfils, confirmed McEnroe has again signed for his third year. Australian Davis Cup captain Rafter will be sufficiently recovered from the shoulder procedure he recently underwent that ruled him out of the London event.

“We are thrilled Australia’s Davis Cup captain and house hold name Pat Rafter has signed onto play the tournament,” said Rasheed. “We know how competitive John is, and after Pat winning last time we are anticipating sensational tennis between these two great legends.

“McEnroe’s return to Adelaide is a coup for the event and South Australians continue to embrace him.”

The resurgent James Blake will partner McEnroe in Team America while the Ukraine’s 16th ranked Alexandr Dolgopolov will line up alongside Rafter in Team Australia because of his Jack Reader hails from Adelaide..

Henri Leconte, coach of Gael Monfils will partner Michael Llodra (ATP in Team Europe while Team International will prompt the playing comeback of Brad Gilbert alongside Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka.

South Australia Tourist Minister Gail Gago stressed how important the novel tournament was for the state. “Last year the WTC and associated Be Active Challenge participation event attracted 3665 visitors, generating more than $4.1 million in visitor expenditure for the state and an attendance of 15,122 people,” he said, mindful the event was broadcast live via Fox Sports, with an additional 35 hours of replay coverage into 30 countries.

“I congratulate the organizers on again attracting a quality field of players to entertain spectators, promote tennis and deliver tourism benefits to South Australia.”

“DAILY TENNIS NEWS WIRE”